Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has launched a blistering attack on his longtime political adversary and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, declaring that anyone who once shut down the courts is fundamentally unfit to serve as Nigeria’s vice president.
Speaking on Wednesday during his monthly media chat in Port Harcourt, Wike also took aim at the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), accusing the body of abandoning its traditional role as an impartial defender of justice and the rule of law.
Addressing journalists, the former Rivers State governor urged Nigerians to critically examine the records of political figures who claim to champion democracy and the rule of law before entrusting them with high public office.
“Rotimi Amaechi, who wants to be Vice President today, once shut down the courts in Rivers State and caused a pregnant woman to give birth in prison,” Wike said.
The minister argued that such a record should disqualify political aspirants from occupying sensitive executive positions, stressing that a history of undermining the judiciary should not be overlooked.
Wike extended his criticism to the NBA, accusing the association of taking partisan political positions rather than maintaining its traditional role as an independent institution committed to justice and constitutionalism.
“The Nigerian Bar Association has now taken sides politically. They are now a political party,” Wike declared.
He maintained that the NBA should remain independent and focused on upholding the rule of law, rather than becoming an arena for political contests or providing platforms that could be interpreted as partisan endorsements.
